The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic

A day has passed since I met up with Inukami-senpai and we started our way home together.

As expected, the trip was more lively than usual with Inukami's presence. Nair and Amako, who were being tangled up with the strangely cheerful senpai, looked tired, but Bulrin, on the other hand, was not able to resist his senpai's evil hands (?). The team is still showing the same iron plate strength.

Finally, after a long journey, we returned to the place where it all began for us, the Kingdom of Lingle.

"You've come back, haven't you?

"Yes."

I mutter to myself with deep emotion as I stand in front of the gates of the Lingle Kingdom.

When Mr. Aruk calls out to the gatekeeper to open the castle, he is greeted with a nostalgic view.

......I really want to go there first, but I'll get to that later.

"Shall we head to the castle first? We have a lot to report."

"...... Usato, is there anything you haven't told me yet?"

"......"

"Usato-kun?

"Oh, no, I'm sure you'll faint when you hear about this. ......"

As a matter of fact, the only thing I told them about what happened in the beastman's country is that I was able to safely awaken Mr. Kanoko.

I have learned what kind of reaction I will get if I tell the truth.

"No, no, I got used to it when I was an evil dragon!　......Well, you can't be more ...... than that."

"There is no comparison. ....... Well, I'll tell you when I report to Mr. Lloyd."

He replies softly to his senpai, who is holding up his hand as if bracing himself, and shifts his gaze to the view of the Lingle Kingdom, which he has not seen in a long time.

"Wow, so this is the Lingle Kingdom. It's a beautiful place, isn't it?

Nair, who was looking around the city in human form, muttered to me.

Come to think of it, this girl doesn't know about this place since she joined us on our journey.

"This will be your home for a while."

"Well, it doesn't sound too bad. I'm getting a lot of looks at ......."

It is only natural that one of the bravest men in the country, a senior, should be the center of attention since he has returned.

I don't mean to sound so self-centered, but I'm also a member of the rescue team myself.

As we were walking down the street leading to the castle, waving back at the townspeople who were happy to see us return, Amako, who was walking next to us, suddenly stopped in her tracks.

I followed her gaze and saw Sarla, the woman who had lived with Amako in the Kingdom of Lingle, with a look of surprise on her face.

"......usato."

"Go ahead. We'll take care of the rest.

"Yes!"

Amako nodded happily and ran to Sarla.

After seeing her off, I turn to face forward, relieved to have completed my journey in one piece.

I turned to face forward, relieved that I had completed my trip safely.

Before entering the castle, we left Bulrin in charge of the guards and went to the hall where Master Lloyd was waiting for us.

In the hall, there was Master Lloyd sitting on his throne and Mr. Sergio standing by his side.

We also found Mr. Welsey and Mr. Sigurth.

It had been a short time since we had been apart, but it felt as if it had been a long time since we had seen each other.

"Suzune, Usato. Thank you for your safe return. The knights who served as your escort also did their best.

""Ha."""

He kneels down and bows his head.

I look at Nair from the side, and see that he is bowing his head in a very gentle manner.

I was relieved to see that she could read the air at times like this, since she could have been disrespectful and caused a scene.

"Keep your head up. ......I have heard about your activities through reports in Hooverd and letters from other countries. You really ...... did a really good job."

I follow Mr. Lloyd's kind words and look up.

"...... You must be tired from your long journey, aren't you?　You can report back to me later, I'm sure Kazuki and Celia are looking forward to seeing you and the others again.

"!　Kazuki is already back?"

Yes, about five days ago. He was very worried about you and the others.

Thank goodness ...... that Kazuki is back safe and sound.

I really want to follow Master Lloyd's advice and go get some rest, but I have something to tell you right away.

"Master Lloyd, I have an important report."

What?　Usato.

Once I have sorted out what I am going to say to the wondering roids, I slowly begin to weave my words.

"What I am about to tell you is also an important secret of the floating city of Mearaq.

"Mialak secrets. I'm sorry, but the knights will have to leave for a while."

The knights, including Mr. Krumeier and Mr. Alc, leave the room.

Only a few vassals, Mr. Welshy, Mr. Signis, and Mr. Inukami remain.

In the quiet hall, the senior member speaks to me in a hushed voice.

"Usato, are you talking about the weapon of the brave?"

"I apologize while I still can."

Hmm?"

There's something I haven't told you yet.

With that, he turns to Master Lloyd.

After making sure that he was completely rid of the man, Mr. Lloyd urged me to talk to him.

"Well then, please, Usato."

"Yes. Mr. Lloyd, are you aware of the events that took place in Mearaq?"

"Of course. The knight of Mialark turned into a dragon man and went on a rampage, is that right?

Yes. During that event, I had a chance encounter with a certain being.

He pauses and takes a small deep breath.

I am nervous to talk about him, even though I have no choice but to explain about the hero's weapon.

"Master Farga, the divine dragon. He is the dragon who presides over and , and is said to have made the weapons of the previous heroes.

"Hmm?"

What was that voice that almost made me gulp just as I was about to hold my breath?

No, let's not look next to him now for his honor.

As I was looking away from him, Mr. Welshy spoke to me, his voice trembling.

"Sh, Shenlong!　A divine dragon actually existed?

"Yes. He is quite old, but he certainly exists. We have ...... proof."

Saying this, I roll up my right sleeve and deploy a cage hand made from the sword of the previous hero.

"This is a baskets hand made from the sword of the previous hero, which I obtained on my journey, and which was reworked by Falga-sama.

"...... Usato-san. May I take a look at it?

He shows Mr. Welshy his kagote.

She observed it carefully for a few tens of seconds, and then rolled her eyes in astonishment.

"...... Can we say that this is a magic tool?　At least, it is not something that can be created by human beings. It's as if the metal itself has become one with the arm,...... and would be impossible even to imitate with existing technology."

Mr. Welsey's reaction caused a stir among the people in the hall.

In the midst of this, Mr. Lloyd, who had been watching the situation silently, opened his mouth.

"Usato. I believe your words.

"Thank you very much. ......Master Farga is going to make the two heroes of this generation, Senpai and Kazuki, their own heroic armors for the coming battle against the Demon King."

"...... What a . It is, however,......"

"It seems that Master Farga thinks that the Demon Lord is that powerful."

Master Lloyd puts his hand to his chin, lost in thought.

"I didn't think that a being that appears in ...... the stories was still alive. ...... I'm still surprised at my age," he said. Thank you, Usato. I know it must have been hard for you.

"I've just been doing what I want to do in a way. ........."

It has been hard work, but almost all of it has been either by getting involved myself or by getting involved and then getting involved.

So I have not regretted a single thing in my journey so far.

Master Lloyd pressed his hand to his forehead at my words.

"......The other day, I received a report from Huberd that he had also engaged in battle with two legionnaires of the demon king's army in the Land of the Beastmen. The text sent by Lucas of Samarriar stated that you had broken the terrible curse that had consumed the royal family and saved his daughter. ......"

"Usato-kun, what do you mean?"

Lloyd-sama frowns in regret and Senpai looks at me as if I'm a machine that has run out of oil.

I listen to Mr. Lloyd's words, trying not to make eye contact with him.

"Both Suzune and Kazuki have had dangerous journeys, fighting powerful monsters. I cannot thank you enough for fulfilling your mission and returning to the kingdom. ......"

"It has certainly been a dangerous journey. It was certainly a dangerous journey, but it was not a pointless one, in my opinion.

He says this to Mr. Lloyd, who regrets having sent us on such a dangerous journey.

"It was a great experience for me to meet a lot of people and to broaden my knowledge of the world," Lloyd says. What about you, ......?"

He was a little surprised when he was suddenly asked to speak, but immediately looked at Lloyd-sama with a smile on his face.

I feel the same way as you do, Usato-kun. I am sure that this trip meant a lot to me as well.

"Suzune,Usato......"

Mr. Lloyd meditated on our words for a few seconds.

I cannot read what he is thinking from his expression, but he does not seem to regret his actions as he did before.

I am an old geezer. You have grown up much more than I thought possible. Once again, as King of Lingle, I send you my thanks.

""Yes.""

Master Lloyd smiled gently at me and my senpai as we bowed on our knees.

However, he seemed to remember something when he saw us and started to growl a little.

"How can I help you?"

"Uh-huh. I'd like to ask you a few questions ...... after seeing you guys, if you don't mind."

Yes, sir. What is it?

I don't know.

"There are rumors flying around the country that you two are in love.

The topic was unexpected, and the senpai's shoulders trembled and she became suspicious.

In place of her, I explain to Mr. Lloyd what happened.

"Oh, I see, so that's what this is about. We almost had a kingdom-wide celebration ......."

"That was a close call. ...... senpai."

"So, so, so... ......"

For some reason, he turned his head away from me.

Seeing us, Master Lloyd looked relieved.

"But in a way I am relieved.

"Why is that?"

"Well, I received a letter from Lucas, King of Samaritan, and it included a letter from his daughter. I read some of it because it was put in the same envelope by mistake, but ......, you are not in a corner either."

Sergio hands me a carefully folded letter.

I say no and look through it, and see a thank-you note from Eva, Master Lucas's daughter.

If given to me in a normal way, the letter does not seem to suggest any kind of love affair.

However, if you change the situation, you will see it in a completely different light.

"You've got a plan, Mr. Lucas. ......!"

"Umm, Usato?　The king's daughter is a princess, right?　As a senior, I'm curious..."

You definitely enclosed this on purpose, didn't you!　It's a far-fetched parental stupidity assist, isn't it!

The content of the letter itself is pretty ordinary, but the purpose is to attract Mr. Lloyd's attention, isn't it!

The moat is steadily being filled!

I was left to my own devices as the senior shook my shoulder with an awkward smile on his face, and Lucas-sama's slightly evil smile flashed through my mind.

I was just a little bit too much.

For the time being, we left the hall to make a full report to Mr. Lloyd at a later date.

After parting from Mr. Alc, we were walking along the corridors of the castle with Senpai and Nair.

"The curse of Samaritan. I didn't think you were involved in a case related to magic."

"It was a terrible incident. The souls bound to this world by magic attacked with substance and, to be honest, I didn't feel like living. ......"

"How do souls attack?"

"It's like a translucent skeleton biting you, clicking its bones."

I say with a pale face.

I'm not good with ghosts, and I'm still a little traumatized by what happened.

It was a painful experience when the memory of the ghost was forced into my head.

"It's all well and good to make small talk, but where are we going now?"

Nair blurted out as she transformed into an owl and hopped on my shoulder.

I've already informed the people at the castle about Néa, but I wish she wouldn't transform so easily in such public places.

"We're going to see my friends."

"Are you talking about the other brave man?"

Yes, that's right.

Mr. Lloyd told me that Kazuki and Celia are waiting for us in another room, so that's where I'm heading.

As we are walking down the passageway, smiling at Néa, who is in a better mood now that she hears that we are brave, we stop when a figure jumps out from around a corner.

"Hey, I finally found you!

"Kazuki!"

Kazuki, breathing quickly, approached us at a brisk pace, a look of relief on his face.

"Weren't you supposed to be waiting in your room first?"

"When I heard you two were back, I couldn't stand it any longer, so I ran out of the ...... room. Ha ha ha ......"

Kazuki, smiling as fresh as ever, makes me nostalgic.

......It's really a different kind of reunion from my senior year, isn't it? I'm glad to see both of them.

"But I'm so glad you both are safe and sound......!　I've been worried about you for a long time. ......

"Oh, ah, don't cry, Kazuki, ......"

Kazuki's voice was getting teary, and my senpai and I were panicking.

Seeing Kazuki, Nair whispers to me with a slightly withdrawn look on her face.

"Unlike Suzune, she's so horribly devoid of evil spirits, isn't she? He's scary in a different way. ......"

"Kazuki is a pure young man. ......"

He has a pure heart unlike me and Inukami-senpai.

Kazuki, who had been worried about me, was so moved that he wiped his eyes and continued speaking.

"I'm sorry ......!　But when I found out that Senpai and Usato had fought a dangerous being,...... I really didn't feel like living,......."

"Did Master Lloyd tell you?"

No, I heard it from a fortune teller I met in the elven village.

"So, so ......, an elf... ...... hmmm."

The older student is very upset.

Elves are a staple of fantasy, so they must be very concerned about it.

I'm managing to keep my self-control for now, but I don't know when it will collapse, so I'll ask the question for you.

"What did the fortune teller say about us?"

"Two of the three disasters that will happen on this continent were prevented by a brave man who carries thunder in his body and a white healer. ......

"The white healer ...... is that me by any chance?"

"Yeah. I knew immediately that it was referring to Usato."

The White Healer ...... is just plain, well, very cool.

I wonder why the elven fortune teller mentioned me in the first place.

"<><>>>. I managed to defeat the ravenous monster, but it was quite a formidable foe. Without the help of their ...... elves, it is hard to imagine what would have happened by now. That's why I've always been worried about the two of you who fought against beings of equal power to the monsters I faced ......."

In the elves' divination, the evil dragon was placed in the same line?

Well, they were a nuisance that spread destruction and poison when left unchecked. No wonder it was treated like that.

"But I'm glad that the three of us are reunited again like this."

Kazuki looks so happy that my senpai and I can't help but laugh along with him.

Kazuki suddenly looked at Nair, who was standing on my shoulder, and tilted his head.

"Usato. I was wondering, what is that owl on your shoulder?"

Oops, that's right.

I'll have to introduce Neah to Kazuki.

"Néa, a fellow traveler and messenger."

Nice to meet you. Another brave man.

"The owl talks!　Could it be that he's a talking demon?　That's amazing!"

I'm sure it is. I'm sure it is."

Kazuki is surprised and amazed in a normal way, and Naea is proud.

I guess he is happy to be praised so honestly.

"Oh, I should introduce my new friends too. ......"

"Kazuki, by any chance, you're a messenger too?

"No, I'm not a messenger."

The senior is relieved and at ease.

I wish he would hide that gesture a little, but he seems to have nothing better to do.

I am an elf hunter. I was the only daughter of the chief in my village, but after some twists and turns, I became one of them.

"You're here!　There's an elf girl in this country?　If there is, I'd like to introduce you to--"

"Yes. Senpai, please calm down.

He stopped Kazuki, who was about to question him with bloodshot eyes, by pinning him down with his wings.

Kazuki smiled fondly at me, who had grown quiet like a borrowed cat after a few seconds, and at me, who had grown tired and weak.

"I knew it was this exchange," he said. Senpai and Usato are ...... yes."

A familiar voice from far away: .......

Could it be Celia?　Is she looking for Kazuki?

"Oh, no. Celia is looking for me. ...... What about you, Usato?　Do you want to go with her?

"Well, I don't know.

After thinking about it for a moment, I tell him about my plans.

"Me and Nair are going back to the lifeguard station," he says.

"I see. Well, now that you're back in the country, we can always meet up. I'll introduce you to your new friends later."

"Yeah. Well then, senpai, I guess we're breaking up here.

"Uh, ah, ...... well, see you later."

He leaves with Nair.

It's been a long time since the three of us had a chance to talk together.

But for me, it's not really home yet.

"I guess home for me is the lifeguard.

I don't need anyone to tell me that.

I know that he is waiting for my return at that place.

"Hey, hey, Usato.

"Yes, néa?"

"I'm going to live in the castle, so let's split up here, okay?"

I laugh at Nea's suggestion.

"Neah, ......, it's okay. No one will discriminate against you just because you are a demon.

"No, no, but..."

Because most of them are human, but they are just like demons.

Does that include you?

.......

"Don't worry. I'm coming back to the Rescue Mission with you, no matter what anyone says."

"Hey, will you listen to me?　I'm telling you that I'm going to live in the castle and you don't have to take me to the lifeguard station."

I'm with you every step of the way!

Of course not!

"Of course you don't want to!　You're coming with us!　I'm happy to come with you!

What?　You might be ignoring me after listening to me!　What do you mean?　Don't grab me by the wings!　Let me go!

You're my messenger.

Then it's part of your job to share your master's fate.

With Nair desperately trying to escape from my grasp, I proceed to the lifeguard's quarters.